Can you use a single-stage thermostat on a two stage furnace?

Single-stage thermostats can be used with 2-stage furnaces, albeit at the cost of losing some of the efficiency and fuel economy that a 2-stage furnace could provide. Using a 2-stage thermostat with a 2-stage furnace can give you the best energy savings.

What kind of thermostat do I need for a 2 stage furnace?

Normally a two stage furnace would require a four or five wire thermostat, and the thermostat would control the call for heat, by mode and stage.

What is the difference between single stage and two stage thermostat?

Single-stage heating requires only a fixed gas valve and a single-speed blower motor. While these get the job done, they allow the furnace to run at only one speed. This kind of furnace is either on or off. Two-stage heating requires a two-stage gas valve and a variable-speed blower motor.

How do you wire a 2 stage thermostat for a 2 stage furnace?

Connect the wires of the 2-stage thermostat to the household wires. Connect the red wire to the "R" terminal of the thermostat; the brown wire to the "W2" terminal; the black wire to the "C" terminal; the yellow wire to the "Y" terminal; the green wire to the "G" terminal; and the white wire to the "W" terminal.

Do you need a special thermostat for a 2 stage furnace?

Yes, I meant to say any two stage furnace... Using a 2 stage thermostat will not harm the furnace. And because the control board is compatible with a single stage thermostat, the furnace will still operate both stages. The control board would, as you say, start the second stage after about 10 minutes.

How the 2 stage thermostat works

Is a 2 stage furnace worth it?

The two-stage furnace is more efficient than the one-stage because it doesn't release as much fuel into the heat exchanger when the home is only somewhat cold. If it's 5 to 10 degrees outside, a two-stage furnace will run in the partially-open position and only use 70% of the energy it normally would.

How often should a 2 stage furnace cycle?

Have you ever wondered, "How often should my furnace cycle?" There's no set answer. On average, furnaces should kick on and off anywhere from 3-8 times per hour. However, if your furnace does so more frequently, don't assume it's short cycling just yet.

Why does my thermostat say second stage?

Two-stage heating means the furnace has two levels of heat output: high for cold winter days and low for milder days. Since the low setting is adequate to meet household heating demands 80% of the time, a two-stage unit runs for longer periods and provides more even heat distribution.

What is the advantage of a two stage furnace?

The ability to switch between two power modes makes two-stage furnaces more energy-efficient than their single-stage counterparts. The low power mode allows the unit to conserve energy as well as reduce temperature fluctuations and uneven heating in your home.

What is better a single-stage or two-stage furnace?

If your home contains two or more levels, a two-stage furnace will be able to warm it much more evenly than a single-stage furnace--and for less money. If you plan to stay in your home long-term and are suffering from high heating costs, you'll have the opportunity to reap the benefits of this updated furnace design.

Does a 2-stage furnace run all the time?

On average, a 2-stage furnace runs on high about 25% of the time. A 2-stage furnace runs for longer periods of time because it's running on the low setting BUT this type of operation provides a more even heat distribution so it reduces air fluctuations or cold spots in your house.

Does a 2-stage furnace use less gas?

Two-stage furnaces cost more to purchase and install than traditional models. But factoring in their 20-25 percent fuel efficiency advantage, and assuming a normal lifespan of about 20 years, the extra cost will be more than erased by the cumulative energy savings.

Can you use any thermostat with any furnace?

Know Your Equipment & Your Wiring

Not all thermostats are compatible with existing HVAC systems, especially smart thermostats! Some thermostats work only with furnaces and air conditioners, for example. Others may be designed to monitor heat pumps or multiple-stage heating and cooling systems.

Can I replace my thermostat with any thermostat?

Purchase a replacement thermostat that will work with your system. Review the compatibilities listed on the packaging of the replacement thermostat. Most replacement thermostats are compatible with all common systems. However, if your system is unique, finding a replacement thermostat may be difficult.

How do I know if I have a 2 stage furnace?

How does a single stage thermostat work?

Single stage thermostats control only two systems—one heating system and one cooling system—and have inputs for six or fewer wires. Because single stage heating and cooling systems are the most common form of HVAC system, chances are that your home already uses a single stage thermostat.

Does a 2 stage furnace need a 2 stage thermostat?

If you plan to keep your home at a constant temperature, you don't need a two-stage thermostat. If you want to vary the temperature of your home during the day or night, a programmable two-stage thermostat is the way to go.

How long should it take to heat a house 10 degrees?

On average, once you turn on your furnace, it should take about an hour to increase indoor temperature by 1 degree. Afterwards, it's 45 minutes per degree.

How many hours a day should furnace run in winter?

While there's no set standard, the average can be between 3-8 times an hour. The question might not come with any “hard and fast” answers, as each home and its residents may have different requirements. A bigger home may need to run the furnace longer.

Does a 2 stage furnace use more electricity?

For two-stage designs, the DOE test procedure consistently shows a reduction in energy consumption by about 3% compared to single-stage furnaces at the same AFUE level. In contrast, the 2006 AHRAE test procedure shows almost no difference in the total energy consumption at the same efficiency level.

Is a two stage furnace quieter?

Two stage furnaces

A two stage furnace is quieter and generates more even heat through the house. The longer, slower heating cycle eliminates the kind of rapid warming that many people find uncomfortable from a single stage furnace.

What size furnace do I need for a 2000 square foot home?

Rough Estimates

A mid-sized home of 2,000 square feet would need approximately 50,000 to 60,000 Btu to heat it properly. With a less efficient furnace operating at 80 percent efficiency this would require a 60,000- to 72,000-Btu furnace.

Does I need a special thermostat for a variable speed furnace?

Typically, a variable speed blower fan automatically adjusts as needed to keep temperatures within one or two degrees of the thermostat settings. However, you may need to use the thermostat to adjust fan speeds as needed for comfort, and for that you'll need a particular thermostat.